A back-end web developer is responsible for server-side web application logic and integration of the work front-end developers do. Back-end developers are usually write the web services and APIs used by front-end developers and mobile application developers.
A back-end web developer is responsible for server-side web application logic and integration of the work front-end web developers do. Back-end developers usually write web services and APIs used by front-end developers and mobile application developers.
Writing a good job description and a job ad for a back-end developer requires proper separation of concerns. Posting a generic web developer description in your job ad, when you are looking for an advanced back-end web developer, will bring numerous applications from people who are specialized in building front-end user interface, or web designers who have absolutely no knowledge about programming.
There are technologies and knowledge that are common to all web developers, and some that are specific to back-end developers. This article will provide you with a sample back-end web developer job description that will help you write a perfect job ad and assure that you easily find and hire the person that matches your specific criteria.
Back-End Web Developer - Job Description and Ad Template
Copy this template, and modify it as your own:
Company Introduction
{{Write a short and catchy paragraph about your company. Make sure to provide information about the company culture, perks, and benefits. Mention office hours, remote working possibilities, and everything else you think makes your company interesting.}}
Job Description
We are looking for a Back-End Web Developer responsible for managing the interchange of data between the server and the users. Your primary focus will be development of all server-side logic, definition and maintenance of the central database, and ensuring high performance and responsiveness to requests from the front-end. You will also be responsible for integrating the front-end elements built by your coworkers into the application. A basic understanding of front-end technologies is therefore necessary as well.
Responsibilities
Integration of user-facing elements developed by a front-end developers with server side logic
Building reusable code and libraries for future use
Optimization of the application for maximum speed and scalability
Implementation of security and data protection
Design and implementation of data storage solutions
{{Add other responsibilities that are relevant}}
Skills And Qualifications
Basic understanding of front-end technologies and platforms, such as JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3
Good understanding of server-side CSS preprocessors, such as LESS and SASS
Understanding accessibility and security compliance {{Depending on a specific project}}
User authentication and authorization between multiple systems, servers, and environments
Integration of multiple data sources and databases into one system
Management of hosting environment, including database administration and scaling an application to support load changes
Data migration, transformation, and scripting
Setup and administration of backups
Outputting data in different formats
Understanding differences between multiple delivery platforms such as mobile vs desktop, and optimizing output to match the specific platform
Creating database schemas that represent and support business processes
Implementing automated testing platforms and unit tests
Proficient knowledge of a back-end programming language {{Depending on the specific case, a developer should have the knowledge of one or more of PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, .NET, JavaScript etc.}}
Proficient understanding of code versioning tools, such as Git
Proficient understanding of OWASP security principles
Understanding of “session management” in a distributed server environment
{{Make sure to mention any other framework, libraries, or any other technology related to your development stack}}
{{List education level or certification you require}}
Toptal is a marketplace for top back-end developers and coders. CEOs, CTOs, and management at top companies and startups work with Toptal back-end freelancers to augment their development teams for back-end development, app development, web development, and other software development projects to achieve their business needs.
On every project, Marko's goal is to reach max efficiency, learn from every experience, and use both to improve the product. Combining a firm foundation of knowledge and experience working on massive projects like—Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Breakpoint—he can provide high-quality solutions while maintaining efficiency. In a nutshell, Marko enjoys challenges, self-improvement, and providing top services.
United StatesToptal Member Since November 12, 2017
Nick's been developing, architecting, and leading software projects for well over a decade. In addition to a rich full-stack skill set, his business acumen and ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders regardless of their technical knowledge set him apart from the rest. Though focused on tech leadership for the last few years, Nick still enjoys developing early-stage prototypes and products.
United StatesToptal Member Since February 24, 2017
Aitizaz is a full-stack engineer with expertise in Ruby on Rails and Java. He is keenly interested in algorithm-level efficiency and has experience working both with front-end and back-end technologies as well as frameworks. Aitizaz is also a competitive programmer who actively participates in different online challenges. He loves learning about anything, especially if it make him better at his craft.
Predrag is a very experienced software developer/architect with over 20 years of experience in back-end projects, web applications, and mathematical modeling. He has a solid mathematical background, confirmed at many international mathematical/physics competitions. A member of MENSA, Predrag is a fast learner who adapts quickly to different working environments, responsibilities, and team structures.
Faister is an experienced developer and system analyst who now specializes in TypeScript and JavaScript full-stack development. He is comfortable working with many languages and platforms and has recently dedicated himself to developing back-end applications using Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB, and front-end applications using React. Faister also has some experience with blockchain technology and a master's degree in applied mathematics.
Zoran is a software engineer with over ten years of professional experience with a wide range of technologies. He has worked with C/C++, Python, Go, JavaScript, Java, and more. Currently focusing on full-stack, scalable applications development, he has been a part of teams of all sizes in environments ranging from small private companies to Google.
